auth-
/ɔːθ-/
prefix
Origin
Ancient Greek
autós — self
Overview
Meaning Now
- A prefix of Greek origin denoting self, same, or originating from a source, used in English to denote authority, authenticity, or self-governance.
Literal older meaning
self; own
Language path
Ancient Greek → English
Earliest form
authent-
Earliest period
17th century
Journey
The prefix 'auth-' traces back to the Greek 'autos'. Its use as an independent prefix in English is largely a modern development, extracted from words like 'authentic' or 'authority', which originally entered English through Latin and Old French roots referring to legal or divine power.
Evolution
- Ancient Greek
autós
“self”
- Middle English
autentik
“authoritative”
via Old French
- Modern English
auth-
“prefix signifying authority or self-referentiality”
re-extracted prefix
Connections
Word parts
auth-
prefix
self; authoritative
Related across languages
Ancient Greek
autós
self
French
auto-
self
Explore next
Related to auth-
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.